December News from Rupert
Before you read, I invite you to simply pause for a moment, maybe gently place your hand over your heart and listen to your breath for a round or two. Check in, say hello to yourself, with kindness and maybe a touch of curiosity. How are you doing, really?
It's been quite the year for many of us. Alongside the inevitable personal and global challenges, I'm also deeply aware of my privilege, my luck, my grief and my gratitude. It's not nothing to realize that I can hold more than one emotion at a time. I also know that it takes practice, one that our regular weekly Practice helps me to do. Thank you for joining me there.
It's common at this time of year to to reflect on experiences of the year that's gone by. I would like to share two moments that stand out for me, moments where a mixed range of emotions were present.
I wrote this song in 2018 when I was feeling emotions around a different set of life happenings. It expresses and holds true for this moment in 2023 as well.
Besides the content of the song itself, I am just realizing that I was also holding a wide mix fear, excitment and hope about performing my songs. I am feeling grateful for having the courage to follow my dream. I said YES to the invitation to be the featured act with my musical partner, Etienne Renard. I stuck with YES even when Etienne's parental duties called and he could no longer join me. I said YES when I dared to ask for support, inviting Bob Muller to accompany me on double bass. Even sharing this with you now is another step towards saying YES to expressing and sharing my emotions, my perspective, my songs.
May YOU say YES as well, to what you long for, to whatever living aligned means for you, while navigating life's inevitable curveballs.
This second moment that stands out from this year comes from October, when I was still lake swimming! Here is a short clip about accepting what is and then looking for ways to adapt and adjust such that we continue to meet our needs and our desires, perhaps just a bit differently. Thanks again to Betty and Brian for allowing me the gift of spending time at their precious spot.
Adapting and Adjusting to life's curve balls
A short video clip from Rupert.
Community Connection Opportunities for the Holidays
Would you like some company during the last week of 2023? Here are a few options that might appeal to you. If so, simply send me an email letting me know which activity you would like to join.
Monday, December 25th join me in Rupert for some community connection, food and play. In-person 10:00AM- 2:00 PM-ish.
Tuesday, December 26th our regular Creative Writing group meets to play with words via Zoom from 7:00- 8:30 PM.
Wednesday, December 27th I'm hosting a free Introduction to Living Aligned and the Arts-Based Self-Care Practice, along with a Q&A from 7:00 - 9:00 PM EST.
Friday, December 29th join us for an afternoon Art Date in Rupert. Limited room for in-person participation, a bit more room to join us via Zoom.
Please share these opportunities with the caregiver's in your circles. For me a caregiver is anyone that is taking on the responsibility for the care of another person or persons. That may be at home, work or in the community. Living Aligned gatherings are meant to be a place to practice putting more caring attention on ourselves, in the company of others doing the same. Self-care requires community care.
Dreaming into 2024
As we head down the runway that says goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024, what comes to mind for you? What are the moments of this past year that you are cherishing? How about some that taught you something about yourself? I encourage you to take some time to ponder what you wish for yourself and perhaps the wider world.
If you wish some support in imagining what you want more of in 2024, take a look a this workshop offering.
Visioning Workshop
IN PERSON January 13th
or
ONLINE Series of 3
January 12, 19 & 26
For more information, click here.
(you will be redirected to the programs page after the workshop has been completed)
Monday Self-care Practices are on pause indefinitely.
No change or pauses for our Sunday Practice, they are available right through the holidays and into 2024.
I will be opening a Self-care Practice on Wednesday evenings beginning January 3rd.
To learn more, click here!
May the next couple of weeks bring you moments of rest and rejuvenation as you say goodbye to 2023 and welcome in 2024. May you imagine the moon for yourself ... that's where it starts.
Linda
P.S. If you received this link from a friend, or found me online I invite you to sign up to the email list here.